Words are powerful because they shape our thoughts, determine our actions, and chart the course of our lives. This is true whether the words are positive, giving hope and encouragement, or negative utterances that steal our joy and confidence.

Wherever we are in our lives, personal relationships, or careers, the words we have used consistently are partly responsible.

This fact should prompt us to become more aware of our words, and when needed, to change them so that we can begin to get the results we really desire.

Recently, during a particularly challenging period, I discovered that I was using some of the following words far too often to get the favorable results I sought.

1. Can't
The use of this word is primarily responsible for countless hopes and dreams lying dormant on the "drawing boards" of our lives. Completely eliminate your use of this word and you will see a significant positive change in your life.

2. But
When used as a conjunction, "but" negates whatever statement that precedes it." I want to study law, but it will take a lot of hard work." Your mind does not focus on your desire to become a lawyer or judge; it only sees the hard work you will need to perform. Replace "but" with "and."

3. Should
Any statement that uses the word "should" generally elicits guilt. "I should go to the gym," makes you feel guilty for not going. Replace this word with "choose," as in, "I choose to go to the gym, or I choose not to go to the gym today."

4. Maybe
This word indicates indecision, doubt, or uncertainty as to a course of action. For example, "Maybe I'd better wait to..."

For those of us interested in personal development, "maybe" should be used very sparingly. Use "I will" or "I will not" instead of maybe. The mere sound of the more positive words emits feelings of confidence and resolve which are so important to our personal well-being.

5. Soon or Later
Both are indefinite references to time. They are also non-committal. They should be replaced with a definite time and date. When someone tells you he or she is going to do something "soon" or "later," there is no way to determine when whatever it is will get done. Imagine what could happen to deadlines and your integrity when these words are used frequently.

6. Someday
Someday, like soon or later, is much too indefinite, and when it is used, it shows the same lack of commitment. Replace "someday" with a specific date and time.

7. Never
This word is absolute, and there are only limited situations when "never" is absolutely true. The use of this word, in my opinion, suggests a closed mind, which seriously hinders our self-growth efforts. The word "never" should be replaced with a non-absolute term.

8. Won't
The word "won't" implies an unwillingness, reluctance, or closed mindedness, and like the absolute term "never," it is quite harmful because it closes the door on many of the actions we need to take to reach our goals.

9. If
This is a small word that carries large doubts and uncertainties, and when used often, it gnaws away at our confidence and intended actions, two qualities necessary for any type of success.

10. Try or (I'll Try)
I don't know about you, but each time someone has said these words to me, or the few times that I have used them in conversations with others, whatever the subject of "I'll try" was, rarely, if ever, got done. Replace "I'll try" with "I will."

These words must be given serious thought before we use them in our "self talk" or in the conversations we have with others.

We must remember this: Our words affect our thoughts, our actions, our very lives, and because of their power, we must choose them with the utmost care.

Author's Bio:

Barbara J. Henry is a published author, (Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now), Personal Development Expert, poet, and avid reader of books on self-growth, spirituality, and personal development, which are also the subjects of her blogs.

Barbara describes herself as "The Journaling Lady" because she has journaled daily
since June of 1995.

Well written article with no waste. It reminds me of the samurai idea of Kiai, or the martial arts shout. When you combine voice with thought, you harness power. This is true with prayer and song, and great oratory. By deciding consciously to speak more decisively with less 'waffle words', you can cultivate confidence, and more responsibility or your life and actions. It takes courage to be positive, and to risk being wrong, or missing a commitment, but isn't it better and stronger to risk that wallow in safe obscurity? :)

Congratulations on this great post Barbara. Awareness of the words that keep us from our vibrant gifts and the treasures is a great way to start building a more promising set of words that feel welcoming, validating and powerful. Let the language of doubt and fear that pop into our consciousness pass by like a floating cloud and welcome the vibrance of solar clarity.

Well hello there Mrs. Henry
Doris Walker here your journalism student from Marshall, O my goodness how are you. It is so good to see you here. Well here's my email address and I hope to hear from you soon, please no matter what do not be a stranger.
Doris

I couldn't have said it better. Our words are powerful and truly affect our actions. We can't be great unless our word usage is great. I too believe in being positive and my blog, Today's Widow, which I write for the Houston Chronicle promotes turning adversity or negatives into positives. I appreciate the English language and its impact on our behavior. Nice article!

Hello Robin,and thank you for the comment you posted to my article: Ten Words to Delete from Your Vocabulary.
I agree with you: We can't be great unless our words are great.
Thanks again.
Barbara J. Henry

It's great to be reminded how powerful these small words are. Every time I hear 'but', I cringe! 'Just' is another word to be careful with ie I am just a housewife - it sounds like a put-down. And when I am learning something new, I tell myself that I have not understood it 'yet' - which implies that I 'will' get to understand.

Thank you for this excellent article, Barbara. I second that the word "need" should - I mean could! - be number 11... I hear it get thrown around all the time, and I don't think they know how powerful that word it.

Awesome! Using the power of words, you can make someone believe that he's doing something far greater than the actual task at hand.
For example, don't tell teachers that they are teaching young kids; instead, tell them that they are training the future leaders of the world. Your repairman isn't just repairing; he's saving lives from any possible electrical threats. Your chef isn't just cooking; she's eliminating hunger and satisfying taste buds. - Michael Lee, http://www.expertpersuader.com

Barbara, Thank you, Thank you!! I am teaching my 4-year old the power of words. When she says "mommy I can't" I return by saying "yes you can, you just need some help." Now, with your article I'll incorporate some of the others in her vocabulary as well as train her thought process. God Bless reamining prosperous in your writing.

Nr. 3 says 'should' is a word to delete and it is used in:
7 The word "never" should be replaced with a non-absolute term.
I agree with the article and at the same time it is difficult not to use this words.

Great article Barbara. I'm going to your web site now. The term I don't understand or us use is "Small Business". It creates limiting bleiefs and encourages small thinking. I believe the whole world would be much better off if we all said "Growth Enterprise"

Barbara,
Awesome article. I am a member of a local Master Mind group and we recently talked about replacing the word should but this list is more expansive. I also would like to post this article on my blog (at some point in the near future) with a backlink.
My blog is called DREAM2Success.com where DREAM stands for Do Remember, Expect Abundance & Miracles.
Blessings,
Ken

Hi. I believe by deleting the ten words from our vocabulary
we will be more integral and cofident in conversations and interactions. I also think that success will be achieved quicker and easier. Good communication and conversation skills are very important.

Excellent article. There are many other words that we should drop too. It's not easy to monitor your thoughts and words and perhaps some kind of reminder posted by your work station would as a reminder would help us to check in on ourselves now and then.

A great list you came up with and one all of us should refer to on a regular if not daily basis. I'm wondering if I could use this on my site? It would be a great guest blog post, of course I would link back to your site or article whichever you choose.